The Bruins’ best defensive player became an All-Pac-12 first-team selection in just his first season at outside linebacker and was a second-team All-American. The junior was widely thought of as a potential first-round pick had he decided to declare for the NFL draft.

Barr first announced his return Monday afternoon on Twitter: “As close as I am to my dream of playing in the NFL, I believe one more year with this awesome coaching staff and my teammates is what’s best. I will be returning for my senior season to further develop as a player and a person, to help lead this team to a Pac-12 championship and ultimately a national championship.”

Measuring 6-foot-4 and 235pounds, Barr made a remarkable transformation after switching from offense under former coach Rick Neuheisel. He was slotted at F-back, a hybrid position designed as a mix of running back, tight end and receiver. His athleticism was poorly used for two years in the pistol offense as he had just 15carries and 12 catches.

Frustrated with his lack of production, Barr thought about transferring until new coach Jim Mora arrived late last year. Soon after UCLA hired Mora in December, Barr and the coaching staff mutually agreed that he should switch to outside linebacker.

Even after losing parts of training camp to injury, Barr made an impact in his first appearance at the position since he was 14. Debuting with a cast around his hand to protect a broken finger, Barr notched six tackles and a sack against Rice on Aug.30.

By the end of the season, he led the nation with 13<MD+,%30,%55,%70>1/<MD-,%0,%55,%70>2 sacks.

Before the Holiday Bowl last Thursday, Mora said he was excited at the thought of having Barr back for another year. The linebacker said after the 49-26 loss to Baylor that he was still undecided on his future. For weeks, Barr had said he was leaning toward staying another season at UCLA, but was waiting for his NFL evaluation to come in.

“I have carefully explored my options and have decided to continue my football career with UCLA,” Barr said in an official release from the athletic department. “I felt a strong connection with my teammates and coaches that I do not want to see end. I will continue to pursue my degree and take part in the team drills after the holidays. The time will come soon enough to live my dream of playing at the next level.”

Added Mora: “Anthony considered his options and we are glad he has chosen to stay with his teammates to continue the mission to move Bruin football forward in the new year.”

Jack Wang covers the Chargers, the latest NFL team to relocate to Los Angeles. He previously covered the Rams, and also spent four years on the UCLA beat, a strange period in which the Bruins' football program often outpaced their basketball team. He is a proud graduate of UC Berkeley, where he spent most of his time in The Daily Californian offices in Eshleman Hall — a building that did not become earthquake-safe until after his time on campus.

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